November 13, 2020
Dear students,
We have always known the fight against the spread of COVID-19 would require a collective effort. To do our part in complying with Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s
stay-at-home advisory, DePaul will be taking several steps that will further reduce the number of people on campus at a time when COVID-19 is spreading more rapidly.
As you are aware, yesterday we
announced that all current face-to-face courses and final exams would be moved online for the remainder of the fall term, starting Monday, Nov. 16.
On Monday, these additional measures will also go into effect.
Building access
You are encouraged to stay at home if at all possible. Please give serious consideration to the necessity of visiting campus while the city’s stay-at-home advisory is in effect. Do not visit campus if you have been recently exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms.
The Lincoln Park Student Center will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. the week of Nov. 16 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. next weekend. The week of Nov. 23, hours will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday; and closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. Check the
Student Center website for updates on hours during December.
For all other buildings, student access will be restricted, with the exception of the computer labs listed below. If you are a student worker, graduate assistant, etc. with authorized access, DePaul’s buildings will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Lincoln Park: All buildings will operate in controlled access mode, requiring an ID card swipe for entry.
- Loop: All DePaul buildings will require you to show a DePaul ID and sign in.
Music students may still access the Holtschneider Performance Center’s practice rooms using the School of Music’s scheduling system.
Law students may continue to access buildings in the Loop by showing a DePaul ID and signing in.
This restricted access will begin Monday and last through Dec. 22. As usual, buildings will be fully closed during the holiday break from Dec. 23 through Jan. 3. Remember to use the #CampusClear app each time you prepare to come to campus.
Computer labs
With the exception of closures for university holidays, the following computer labs will be open:
- Lincoln Park: Brownstones in the Student Center (2250 N. Sheffield Ave.) Same hours as those listed above for the Student Center.
- Loop: Daley Building (14 E. Jackson Blvd.), First Floor (Swipe DePaul ID for entry.) Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Theatre School’s computer lab will be available to Theatre students who need access to the lab’s specialized software.
The Ray Meyer Fitness Center
The Ray will be closed starting Monday and until further notice.
Housing
Residential students will hear from Housing with an update on options for moving out early. Students may stay through the end of the term if they wish.
At a time when people feel pandemic fatigue and are tempted to see family and friends over the holidays, please continue to be vigilant regarding your safety. The decisions you make affect everyone around you—your friends and loved ones, your community and, especially, anyone who has contact with you who may have a higher risk for complications or even death from COVID-19. Please wear a face covering whenever you leave your home and as recommended indoors, and keep a safe physical distance from people who are not in your immediate household.
In the spirit of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, please know we are grateful you are a part of DePaul. We are here for you—as are the many faculty and staff who are rooting for your success. Together, let us continue to Take Care DePaul.
Sincerely,
A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D., president
Salma Ghanem, Ph.D., interim provost
Jeff Bethke, executive vice president & chief financial officer